Michael Schumacher’s former manager was bound and robbed during a frightening raid at his home. Willi Weber, 83, was at his Stuttgart residence when the disturbing incident took place. Weber, renowned for managing Schumacher’s legendary F1 career that yielded seven world drivers’ championships, said he sustained a “black eye” during the assault.
His villa sits in what’s been characterised as a “quiet neighbourhood” in Stuttgart. During the break-in, he revealed there were several other individuals present who were also restrained by the intruders. Speaking to German newspaper BILD, Weber explained the incident happened on Tuesday evening, and he wasn’t the sole victim to be tied up and robbed.
He said: “I have a black eye; the police are here talking to me. I feel terrible.” He added he was left “completely in shock” by the harrowing ordeal.
Reports suggest multiple safes were forced open, with their contents – yet to be identified – stolen whilst Weber and others looked on helplessly. The full scale of what was taken remains unclear. Weber also revealed one of his associates managed to break free from his bindings roughly an hour into the raid. Following the alert to police, the perpetrators fled the property.
Local constabularies have reportedly initiated a comprehensive investigation into the burglary, with potential suspects and motives yet to be identified. It’s also understood that authorities are in the process of interviewing witnesses and examining CCTV footage from the vicinity. Weber holds a significant position in F1 history.
While his management firm also represented supermodel Naomi Campbell, Weber is most renowned for steering Schumacher’s career. He was instrumental in orchestrating the legendary German’s switch from Benetton to Ferrari, a move that led to five of Schumacher’s seven F1 world championships.
Weber first encountered the iconic driver in the 1980s when Schumacher was competing in junior racing. He would subsequently guide him through the junior ranks and Formula 3 before securing his debut in F1 with Jordan.
Weber also managed Schumacher’s brother Ralf and fellow German Nico Hulkenberg. His client list includes DTM champion Timo Scheider and Dakar Rally victor Jutta Kleinschmidt.
In 2023, Weber spoke candidly about the impact of Schumacher’s devastating skiing accident in France, which resulted in the F1 legend being placed in a coma. The exact details of his health remain largely unknown, with his wife Corinna maintaining a steadfast silence on the matter.
Weber confessed to the Cologne Express: “When I think about Michael now, unfortunately, I no longer have any hope of seeing him again. No positive news after ten years,” and further admitted: “I should have visited Michael in the hospital. I mourned like a dog after his accident.”